Scrap Fabric Skirt Tutorial

Every time Lucy wears a certain Gymboree skirt I always get asked if I made it. Since everyone thought I was capable of making it I gave it a try. It was way easy and turned out just like the one I copied. The best part is you can make it out of scraps of fabric very easily.

The size of the skirt is 18-24 months but can easily be adapted by changing how much elastic you use for the waist. Also you can just add inches to the measurements below to make it for an older child. This is kind of a no-fail skirt if you ask me.

Here's what you need:

1/8 yard from 1 fabric (top piece)

1/4 yard from 2 different fabrics (middle and bottom piece)

I cheated and got my fabric at Hobby Lobby. I love their selection and always am looking for something to make out of their fun prints.

Next time I will use my scraps for sure.

The last thing you will need is elastic 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick. I used 5/8 inches wide and 19 inches long.

1. Cut the fabric:

Top piece: Cut 2 - 14 inches by 4 1/2 inches (use the 1/8 piece of fabric)

Middle piece: Cut 2 - 19 1/2 inches by 5 inches

Bottom piece: Cut 2 - 27 inches by 4 1/2 inch

2. For all three layers you are going to sew the sides together at 1/2 inch. If you have a surger finish those edges off for a professional look.

3. For the top layer you are going to sew a casing just a little wider than your elastic. I did mine an inch wide. To sew a casing fold down 1/4 inch and then fold down an inch. Then sew close to the edge around the bottom to make the casing. Remember to leave an opening to get the elastic in there. Ya, I forgot this step and had to unpick. But don't put the elastic in just yet.

4.For the bottom layer you are going to sew a half inch hem. Similar to what you just did on top for the casing but this time you don't need to leave an opening. I folded down 1/4 inch and then folded down 1/2 inch. Then sewed close to the edge.

5. For the second and third layer you are going to do a wide stitch along the top so you can gather it. I did two rows of stitches right next to each other. Then I pulled the top two threads to make it gather. Use the bottom of the top layer as a guide to see how much you have to gather.

6. After you have gathered it, pin the middle layer in place on the bottom of the top layer. Sew around it at 1/2 inch.

7. Then pin the bottom layer to the bottom of the middle layer. Sew around it at 1/2 inch.

{Have I lost you yet?}

8. To make it have a finished look top stitch over the two ruffled layers real close to the seem. I did mine on top of the seem.

9. Next feed the elastic through the casing with a safety pin. Sew the two ends of the elastic together. (Measure your models waist and take it in an inch or two.) I go back and forth with my sewing machine about ten times just so it won't break later. Then sew up the hole to finish the casing.

And that's it! A fun summer skirt for your little one.

Lucy put on the skirt herself over her pajamas the day after I made it. She wanted to wear it that day. As you can see it's inside out though but she knows how to make her mommy feel good.